I have not posted many updates here regarding the special projects department at the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic railroad, so I figured it was probably time to provide a project update. Currently, the special projects department is working on the rehabilitation of Denver and Rio Grande 1883 4-6-0 168 as well as Jackson and Sharp built 1881 Coach 292. These projects are part of a much grander vision called the Historic Car Project, tasked with returning a complete 1880s DRG passenger train to service on the 1880 built San Juan Extension of which C&TS is part. All work is being conducted in accordance with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. On the locomotive the tender is complete with a new riveted cistern, rebuilt tender frame, rebuilt running gear, new plumbing, new riveted main reservoir, paint, and lettering. Locomotive running gear has also started with cylinders bored, lead truck axles turned, etc. The boiler form 4 is complete with little work required to bring the boiler back to service at full operating pressure.

Coach 292 has also been progressing well, with a great deal of structural wall and roof work complete, new end platforms almost complete, extensive rehabilitation of the original wood interior, replacement of most exterior siding and windows, and a new soldered seam terne metal roof. A full set of original buntin seats have also been rebuilt and will be upholstered in authentic mohair plush, and replica Adams and Westlake oil lighting have been fabricated to match the originals.

We are very excited about these projects, and have secured funding for our next passenger car, Billmeyer and Small Coach 256 via a State Historical Fund Grant and other sources. We anticipate the completion of the locomotive sometime in 2019 with 292 being complete this summer. The complete four car trainset will include Coach 292 and 256, RPO 65, and Business Car F. Thank you for your interest in the project, and I hope to see you all in CATS country soon.

WOW! This is the first I've heard of this, and I'm impressed. I've been to Chama a few times over the years, and while the steam is spectacular, the circus train they run sucks. This is what has been missing; historic equipment. Please keep us posted.

And then the Friends of the C&TS are restoring a ng tourist sleeping car at a location in Colorado Springs. You can find information about this project at Friends Colorado Springs blog

So in a few years there will be a heritage train for special use on the C&TS.

Previously the Friends had restored a pile driver at Colorado Springs and since returned it to Chama. These projects are generally done by members of the Friends living in the Front Range area and are year-round projects.

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